War of the Dragon (RP)

[GamerKale]

Jenkins looked from Zorlo to Maerlyn and back stammering, "Shut up. It wasn't that bad, you should have helped somebody else."

Shanks laughed, "You're just as precocious as ever. To answer your first question, I'm here because you were about to die." He plucked the wilted rose from Zorlo's chest and set it on the railing. "These are a very rare flower. And it's even rarer to find one grown with it's magic intact. I'm guessing he didn't tell you how it worked, of course he wouldn't. Never wanted to let people relax and rely on such things. Secondly, and it's none of their business, but I was never in hiding. No I don't have any stories that I care to share right now, but I do have something for you. It's actually not from me though." He withdrew a blue latchless jewelry box covered in gemstones. "He called it The Pandorica. Said that once you used it, you should never open it again. It's empty right now. Oh and last I checked your parents were fine." Shanks gently took one of Zorlo's hands and traced the stigmata. "It's a good thing you have those, where we're headed next no pureblooded elf can venture any longer and those who do not have strong ties to their gods will find their prayers unable to be heard. Just be careful you don't kill yourself, I won't be able to save you again."

[Zorolo]

"Yes, Uncle, I'm sorry I let you down!" the man said, looking at the box. "And I'll treasure it. Tell mom and dad, if you see them, I love them! I want them to know that when I return, I'll probably be married, so the grand-kids they've been telling me they want for months. After all, it's likely I'll be the last of my determinate Paladin Order. Holy Guns and Holy Tacticians will be all that's left of our holy order before long. I'll miss riding into battle with my sword above and gleaming armor... but I accept how pointless it is to believe that firearms won't soon overtake all other conventional combat methods," the Paladin said with a sigh.

"Anyway, uncle, I'm happy you're safe and I got to see you again. Keep safe, and when I return from this adventure, I'll probably have a story to tell you," he said proudly, looking at the jewelry box. "And this box is cool... but if I can only open it once, I should be careful with it. It must house something really cool!" Zorlo said as he smiled and looked at Jenkins. "I need to talk to a friend quickly. Do say goodbye before you go, uncle," Z said, smiling at the Elf.

The Holy Vindicator walked over to Jenkins and laughed. "I'm sure that you see it that way... but I figured you'd want some energy. AFter all, the hero has to go get the girl. So... get in there," Z said as he pushed Jenkins towards Maerlyn. "And do be quick. She does seem the fickle type," the paladin said with a jolly laugh. "Speaking of which... she should be getting close." With a content sigh and a chuckle, Zorlo prepared. "I'd better get ready to deal with her again. I'll just have to talk her into letting me finish this journey before I tie the knot with her," He mumbled, laughing again. After all, Zorlo accepted when she started stalking him that his only option to make her harassment stop would be to marry her, even if he didn't love her. Still, for now, this adventure was the most important thing.

[nekoryuuha]

Maerlyn sighed as she finished up the last people thanks to both Jenkins & Zorlo. She saw the glances and the glances, heard the barely audible mutters, but she ignored it all. She didn't care what they thought of her now and as far as she was concerned, if they wanted to make a move, it just meant that she had a free meal. These Human-sized portions just weren't all that filling to her, seeing as she usually ate entire creatures at once rather then numerous smaller meals. That was far from the smooth fight I thought we'd have. On the plus side, once we come ashore, maybe I can catch something... she thought as she realized it had been over on hour for the Necklace restoration. But she held off on activating it since she was likely to break the illusion again soon. "I'm hungry, too... I kinda hope we land soon. I wanna deer right now..." she said to herself as she looked at their looming destination.

[GamerKale]

Jenkins looked to the heavens thinking, Why does he keep bringing this up? She's a harpy for Erastil's sake. He was wholly unprepared when Zorlo shoved him and he basically fell into Maerlyn. "Sorry sorry, I'm sure you're tired of me knocking you over by now." Mr. Silver, the cook came up and set two plates before Maerlyn and Jenkins. "You two must be hungry after everything that's happened. I got each of you an extra ration." He said grinning. Jenkins nudged his plate next to Maerlyn's stating, "I'm not hungry." He pulled out a handkerchief and finally wiped the blood from his face, making him appear less ghoulish although without the blood there was hardly any color in his face. "Ahah, tought you might say dat. I brought some extra rum, should help. Heard about how your trick worked, nasty business that. Drinking blood, blegh, don't know if I'd be able to stomach it. Drink up me hearties. Hahahar!" Mr. Silver moved off, leaving the two in peace. The rum helped a little but there was still a thick coat of blood on the walls of his mouth. "I didn't hurt you earlier, did I? I'm sorry I was so rough with you, but better a little bruised than a lot dead. Not that you look bruised you look good in fact, and by good I mean fine, I mean not that you didn't look nice before but I mean you do look better now and I-" I'm going to stop talking now. Jenkins took another big swig of the rum to keep himself from saying anything more.

Shanks put an arm around Zorlo, "I'm sorry nephew I couldn't hear you over the sounds of you whining like a baby." He took the pandorica from Zorlo and flipped it open and closed several times. "It's empty right now. He said you were going to be putting something called a Drelliel in it, whatever that is. And I'm not disappointed, how'd you get an idea like that in your head?" Shanks messed with Zorlo's hair. "And I'm not going anywhere right now. A wizard was having a hard time killing me so he tried to teleport me away, I can only assume the rose altered my destination, and so I'm stranded here. I must say it's one of the more original methods people have tried, y'know after he set that pack of hellhounds on me and ran me through with all of those weapons and some other things." Shanks sighed and spoke to himself, "Honestly, why didn't he just explain things to you before he let you go gallavanting off, or better yet just have gone with you in the first place instead of dragging me into whatever it is this is."

[Zorolo]

Zorlo laughed as he watched Jenkins. "So embarrassing. In retrospect, I should have left him to try on his own. Well, that can't be helped now," the paladin said with another hearty chuckle. "As for the wizard, I'm sorry to hear that, uncle, but I'm sure you'll finish that up good and well and be home in time for mom and dad's anniversary in two months, right?" Zorlo asked with a smile as he crossed his arms and kept an eye on the elf. "Anyway, who is this person you keep talking about?" the Holy Vindicator asked, quirking his eyes and confused at what his uncle was saying.

[kai the pkk]

Rain: { he takes care of all the Artillery while everyone is eating and enjoying the victory and he finally sheathes his regalia blade} that should fix it up GAH! { he collapses to a knee as he holds the wound he took from Temper} bastard got me good { he breathes softly as he looks at his hands as he just sits against the wall as he takes the bandana of his head as he lks at his left hand as he rolls up the sleeve as a runic marking seems to spread from his hand and slowly up his arm but then slowly fades as he rolls the sleeve back down} Damn.....hmm I'm so Hungry { he stands up and limps towards the group with bandana in hand as he grabs food and he sits down as he starts chowing down bowl after bowl} I should really take care of this wound first ow { he looks to Jenkins} hey who in our little group can heal?

[GamerKale]

Jenkins sighed, "I think the other two are about tapped out for the day, but I can." He looked at the injury and thought to himself, I really don't want any more blood in my mouth right now. "Just remember, unlike a paladin I can't just lay a hand on you, I have to do it this way." Before Rain could say anything Jenkins locked lips with him. When he pulled away Rain wasn't fully healed but he was considerably better off. Jenkins turned and finished off the first bottle of Rum thinking. At least I don't have any fresh blood coating my tongue.

"Right, you've never met him and I guess it's never really come up. The man who gave you that flower, my brother. I suppose if he didn't tell you any of that, then he probably told you his.name was Kale." Shanks pulled his hair back and showed an earring of obsidian black roses in his right ear that perfectly mirrored Kale's.

[nekoryuuha]

Someone up there is listening... Maerlyn thought as she started in on the plate of food, chuckling somewhat over his awkward words. My... isn't he a sweet one? Wonder if he tastes as sweet as he sounds? she thought offhandedly as rain limped up and Maerlyn finished her plate. She thought it was fortunate that Jenkins was healing and not hungry, seeing as he was correct. Maerlyn was out of prepared Healing spells, having been overwhelmed by the crews injuries. And so, she left Rain to him as she started into Jenkins untouched plate. Unfortunately, she ended up coughing out the second bite as Jenkins full on kissed Rain. The coughing quickly turned to almost avian laughter as Maerlyn dissolved into a fit of laughter that nearly hand her on her back. "Oh Gods, yes! Rain's face! It's priceless!!" she got out between laughs.

[Zorolo]

Zorlo, who had expended his last two uses of Lay on Hands to unleash a cone of CHannel Positive ENergy to heal the few remaining wounded left had arrived just in time to see the kiss and watch Maerlyn break down. He had to resist the urge to laugh as he watched Maerlyn and the awkwardness between the men. "Like I said, Jenkins, you're a nice guy, but I'm not into that kind of thing, that's all," the Paladin stated with a chuckle as he thought about what his uncle had said. "Wait... if that guy who is named Kale is related to my uncle... does that make him my uncle as well?" Zorlo asked, thinking about it as he kind of stood off to the side.

[kai the pkk]

Rain: ah-......ka-.....{ he grabs a glass of rum as he chugs it} not a fan of rum but need to remove taste..... { he looks at Jenkins} WHY?! why?! { he sees the two laughing} This isnt Funny! you two!...wow it really did fully heal me....{ he starts guzzling down the food as he looks at jenkins in the silence of awkwardness} lets never speak of this....and you two { zorlo and maerlyn} I'm never gonna live this down am I?

[GamerKale]

Jenkins couldn't help but laugh, maybe it was the rum. "Hey, I explained how my ability worked when we first met. Clearly you were just looking for an excuse. And as you seem to keep bringing it up Zorlo, I can only imagine that you're looking for an excuse to taste my lips too. And you," Jenkins turned to Maerlyn, "you haven't said a word about it. That's suspicious." He interjected suddenly, "I'm feeling a little hungry." Jenkins put a hand around Maerlyn's neck and pulled her lips to his. His pupils became thin and elongated like hers for the briefest of instants. Some color returned to Jenkin's cheeks and he found his exhaustion lessened slightly. "Thank you for the meal."

Back off on his patch of railing Shanks laughed, That boy is either very drunk, very brave, very crazy, very stupid, or all of them. Captain Newgate loomed behind Shanks. "Bloody Shanks?" "No, but it's as good a name as any." "What do you know of Isla de Sombra?" "An Elven queen, Istalindir, once ruled it and all the lands within the borders of these waters. One day she and all of the Elves upon her island went mad. Her love, a phoenix called Feanor, protected what humans he could from and helped them to escape, sacrificing himself in the process. Whatever drove her and everyone else mad also cursed the land and caused the dead to rise and slay all life upon the island. Whatever this curse is it still drives elves mad and raises the dead. Istalindir herself has probably been twisted into a banshee." "Should we leave you and the paladin out at sea while we make repairs?" "No, Zorlo will be fine, albeit distracted and his connection to Erastil will be tenuous at best. But you are right, I'll take a boat and anchor just offshore." "You'll take Doctor with you. I don't want to risk losing my boat just because you went and died."

[nekoryuuha]

Maerlyn had slowly been getting herself under control again to to answer Rain's question and asked her own. She'd gotten close to ready when Jenkins pulled her in for the kiss, the suddenness of it startling the laughter out of her. When he pulled away, she didn't bother to hide her licking her lips. "What do you know...? He does taste as sweet as he sounded. Or maybe that's the wine he's marinating himself with..." she said to no one in particular as she started wondering if Wine & Human went well together.

[Zorolo]

"Hmm... perhaps telling that farmboy that trying to... oh, that reminds me! She's probably almost caught up by now. I'd better get on deck to greet her," Zorlo stated as he walked back onto the deck and saw somewhat small ship floating towards them. "Wow, she's really intent on capturing me this time. Well, I've got a better answer than the answers I've had before," the Paladin said as he headed back under the deck. "However, now is not the time to give them."

[GamerKale]

Jenkins laughed and tasted his own fingers, "Sweet? Seems more like salt and iron." He examined his slightly bloodied fingers, "Oh right, the blood." He downed another half bottle of rum before dropping it. He wrapped his arms around Maerlyn and leaned his head against her. "Comfy." He murmured and started dozing while nuzzling his harpy pillow.

"Mr. Shanks, we seem to have a tail. Would you care to go pay them a visit?" Shanks glanced over the aft of the ship and took note of the inquisitor boat."No, I think I'll pass. They don't look like pirates." "Go get some rest then, you look like you have one foot in the grave, we'll be off the coast of Isla de Sombra by nightfall and make land in the morning." Shanks nodded and headed for Mr. Arrow's cabin.

[nekoryuuha]

"Huh...That happened..." Maerlyn said to herself as Jenkins suddenly decided to use her as a emerald-feather pillow. The smell of alcohol & blood drifted up from Jenkins, making the Harpy's stomach rumble cavernously as she turned back as best she could to finish Jenkins' plate. I wonder if he'd mind if I took just a nibble. A bicep maybe? Or a piece of liver? she thought with a yawn. Now that most of her hunger was appeased, she was beginning to realize just how tired she was now. It was getting close onto night and though she was usually up for some of it helping to watch for things, she was kinda tired from the battle. Maybe she'd turn in soon...

[kai the pkk]

Rain: { he glances over to maerlyn and jenkins} dudes allready passed out? { he stretches as he stands up} allright then hey maerlyn. what exactly is the plan now?

[nekoryuuha]

"...Hm?" Maerlyn paused in her imaginings a moment as she realized Rain asked her a question. "The plan..." she smelled the air a moment before replying. "You should have Mr. Doctor finish patching you up. I can still smell fresh blood on you. Unless, of course, you prefer Jenkins lips? In which case, I'll leave him in your care tonight," Maerlyn replied, threatening to, but not quite, erupting into laughter. She took a moment to get control as she looked at the looming island. "Either way, you should also focus on getting some rest after your preferred medical care. We should be arriving soon, I think," she finished as she wrapped an arm around Jenkins and stood with him. She was stronger then her seemingly frail, lean form suggested.

[kai the pkk]

Rain: yeah I'll turn in soon { he smiles softly} night { he stands up as he walks off by himself as he gazes up to the night sky} "I can still smell fresh blood on you" huh...I guess their are somethings you can't get rid of no matter how long time passes odds are she isnt smelling my blood... { he reaches intop his pocket and pulls out a pocket watch as he opens it up}.....how long will I run until fate catches up to me...though I should probablly get myself fixed up hey DOC!

[nekoryuuha]

"Night," she replied to Rain as he walked away, leaving The sleeping Jenkins and the Emerald-plumed Harpy as the only ones at that part of the dock. "I don't really want to have to drag him all the way to his bed.... Hell, I don't even know where he sleeps." She sighed. This would be a problem.... if a crew mate hadn't walked by then. So with a smile and surprising strength, Maerlyn quite suddenly deposited the unconscious Jenkins into the arms of the crewman. "Please take him to where ever it is he sleeps. I have things I need to do." And with that, she walked off, her feathery tail fanned slightly as she walked below decks.

[GamerKale]

The night passed without incident. A combination of caution and dread kept the vessel from making landfall before sun up. The majority of the crew took shifts making sure the Celt didn't take on too much water during the night. Come morning, Captain Newgate, with a little help from some men pulled the front half of the Celt onto land as well as the other vessel. The crew cannibalized the vessel Mr. Purple captured and set to work making repairs and transferring useful items to their ship. Shanks's boat sat a few hundred yards off shore where the doctor could tend to him and he wouldn't be taken by the madness.

Newgate gathered the officers and Zorlo the cabin boy. "We're here anyways we might as well investigate the castle. See if the rumors of undead inhabiting this god forsaken isle are true. Paladin, this is your area of expertise so you'll be leading the expedition, Ms. Green's talents for healing should be good in a pinch so you're going too, Mr. Blue you put on quite the show yesterday so you're going too, and Mr. Farmer you're the best shot so you're going with them."

The air on the island was thick and smothering and despite the sun being up the island was still blanketed in shadows. The group passed through what was the remnants of a great forest now only the odd blackened shrubbery and a few dead trees dotted the land. Jenkins placed a hand on one of the trees, "It's cold. What's up with that? Also does anybody else not have a hangover that should? Because I distinctly remember drinking too much blood and then immediately washing it down with too much rum, that's about all I remember from after the fight yesterday, but I do remember that."

Nobody else seemed to have received such minor miraculous benefits, and in fact Zorlo seemed to be suffering from the hangover Jenkins should have been having. And where the others saw dead trees the half-elf saw the world overlaid with images of elven ghosts screaming madly upon closer inspection the phantoms bear Zorlo's own face. A mangled bone chilling howl, audible to all, was heard from the direction of the castle.